Best Nursing Homes in West Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 9 nursing homes in West Des Moines, IA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed These are the facilities in West Des Moines, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in West Des Moines, IA.
9 homes
Other senior care options in West Des Moines:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 2.5/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in West Des Moines, IA. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 2.8/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in West Des Moines, IA. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in West Des Moines, IA. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5

Compare Nursing Homes around West Des Moines (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Iowa average is: 60.3% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living
NH
ADC
AL
IL
MC
SNF
West Des Moines
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 403
97.5%
Facility 97.5%
IA AVG 67
Rank #9 / 362
+46%
4.94
Facility 4.94
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #49 / 231
+14%+15%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #33 / 232
1.8
Facility 1.8
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #17 / 232
-39-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 47
Rank #480 / 504
Edgewater, A Wesley Active Life Community, LLC
$6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #99 / 224
$8.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #15 / 224
127.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 127.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #2 / 224
165597
Cedar Ridge Village
NH
AL
IL
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 72
Rank #323 / 403
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 67
Rank #17 / 362
+42%
4.97
Facility 4.97
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #42 / 231
+11%+16%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #136 / 232
5.0
Facility 5.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #157 / 232
-38A+
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 47
Rank #486 / 504
Central Iowa Hospital Corporation
$7.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #78 / 224
$3.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #89 / 224
53%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 53%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #166 / 224
165790
Arbor Springs-West Des Moines
NH
MC
RC
SNF
West Des Moines
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 72
Rank #232 / 403
94.6%
Facility 94.6%
IA AVG 67
Rank #22 / 362
+41%
6.00
Facility 6.00
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #4 / 231
-19%+40%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #102 / 232
3.0
Facility 3.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #73 / 232
253A+
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 47
Rank #367 / 504
Integro Healthcare Holdings LLC
$7.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #86 / 224
$4.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #70 / 224
65%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 65%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #57 / 224
165548
Harmony West Des Moines
NH
AL
HOS
PC
RESC
RC
SNF
West Des Moines
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 72
Rank #238 / 403
97.6%
Facility 97.6%
IA AVG 67
Rank #8 / 362
+46%
3.55
Facility 3.55
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #197 / 231
+53%-17%
$8.2k
Facility $8.2k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #152 / 239
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #175 / 232
6.2
Facility 6.2
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #196 / 232
154-
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 47
Rank #468 / 504
-
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #161 / 224
$2.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #165 / 224
56%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 56%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #133 / 224
165450
Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center-
NH
SNF
West Des Moines
140
Facility 140
IA AVG 72
Rank #23 / 403
57.9%
Facility 57.9%
IA AVG 67
Rank #222 / 362
-14%
4.03
Facility 4.03
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #142 / 231
---+9%-6%
$353.1k
Facility $353.1k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #239 / 239
100
Facility 100
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #232 / 232
8.3
Facility 8.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #219 / 232
1181-
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 47
Rank #397 / 504
Leibel Gutman
$9.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #36 / 224
$6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #35 / 224
63.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 63.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #71 / 224
165350

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 9 analyzed for West Des Moines.

Overview of Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living

Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living, graces a 50-acre campus nestled amidst natural beauty, boasting serene water features and picturesque ponds. Within this splendid setting, they offer a spectrum of senior living options, including independent senior living, memory care living, assisted living, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation. mainly, Edgewater prioritizes the overall wellness of their residents, providing not only five-star dining but also a wealth of amenities to enhance their daily lives.

Residents at Edgewater enjoy concierge services, an art studio, and a newly constructed event center. The community further offers indoor heated saltwater pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, salon and spa services, and much more. With spacious areas for various activities, including independent living apartments, a skilled culinary team, and chefs dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences, Edgewater stands as a vibrant, pristine, and ideal place to call home.

Contact Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living

Cedar Ridge Village

8950 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village, situated in the delightful West Des Moines, Iowa, provides a diverse range of senior living options, including independent living and assisted living including care for disabled adults. This community effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, with inviting spaces, high ceilings, and carefully chosen furnishings, ensuring an exceptional living experience for residents.

Residents here can engage in a variety of activities, from card games and book clubs to arts and crafts and movie nights. The community also organizes off site excursions, such as concerts, theater outings, museum visits, and more, enriching the lives of its residents. Their spacious apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different care needs, offering tailored, top-tier services in a meticulously maintained environment. Count on Cedar Ridge Village for superior senior living options, whether you’re seeking assisted or independent living near you.

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Overview of Arbor Springs-West Des Moines

Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a highly regarded facility known for its exceptional care, particularly for individuals with dementia. It prides itself on fostering a positive and supportive environment. Situated in a residential area, this facility employs a Montessori approach to care, which has received praise from reviews. Arbor Springs offers a range of amenities, including a community center, therapy room, and a beauty salon, ensuring that residents have access to essential services.
The facility boasts inviting features like a home-like dining room, cozy interior spaces, and intimate common areas. Additionally, Arbor Springs has implemented innovative touches such as memory boxes outside individual rooms, aiding in the identification of residents’ spaces. The dedication to providing fresh air and well-landscaped surroundings contributes to the overall well-being of the residents. Arbor Springs offers a spectrum of care, encompassing memory care options, including private homes, and also provides services like long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and respite care, catering to the diverse needs of its residents.

Contact Arbor Springs-West Des Moines

Harmony West Des Moines

5010 Grand Ridge Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Overview of Harmony West Des Moines

Harmony West Des Moines is a 113-bed skilled nursing facility at 5010 Grand Ridge Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa. Affiliated with Legacy Healthcare, the center provides specialized post-acute care, including orthopedic rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and advanced wound management. Centrally located in the Des Moines metro, the campus offers proximity to major health systems and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and various state assistance programs.

The facility is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing and is CMS-certified. As of May 2026, the community holds a 1-star overall rating, reflecting performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. While quality measures are rated at 3 stars, the health inspection component carries a 1-star rating based on 14 citations during the most recent standard survey cycle, which is more than double the Iowa average of 6.1. Recent reports include zero deficiencies for infection control inspections over the past three years.

Staffing levels present a mixed clinical picture. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 38 minutes per resident day, which is 14% below the Iowa average of 44 minutes. Conversely, physical therapist hours are notably high at 6 minutes, 200% above the state average of 2 minutes. Clinical outcomes for short-stay residents are generally strong, with zero falls with major injury and a rehospitalization rate 15% better than the state average. The nursing staff turnover rate is 62.9%, which is higher than the state mean of 43.9%.

The campus offers a residential setting focused on recovery and short-term placement. Shared clinical and social amenities include:24-hour nursing support, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and specialized memory care wings. The facility provides respite care for families needing temporary placement and offers social programming to support long-term residents. Located in a car-dependent suburban area, the community coordinates medical transportation for its residents.

Prospective residents and their families should evaluate the current bedside care standards and staffing stability during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the 2025 health inspection citations and to confirm that current RN staffing levels meet the individual clinical needs of the resident.

Contact Harmony West Des Moines

Overview of Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center

Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center is an upscale nursing home that aims to change the meaning of skilled nursing and rehabilitation for seniors. The community understands that aging can be daunting, much more with a disability or condition. The exceptional level of care delivered by their patient-friendly staff is an approach to offering the best care possible for their residents. Pine Acres is a trusted community that cares for every senior’s needs.
The person-centered community strives to enhance the quality of life for its residents by ensuring that seniors can satisfy their overall wellness. They house licensed medical professionals and staff and offer a list of social and stimulating activities, holistic therapy, and specialized residency training for an enriching experience.

Contact Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center

Cedar Ridge Village

8950 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village is a 68-bed healthcare campus at 8950 Coachlight Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa. Managed by Kathy Dehaven and operated by Central Iowa Hospital Corporation, the facility provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Current data indicates a census of 35 residents in the nursing wing, representing a 51% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa average of 75.4%. The location earns a Walk Score of 51, providing residents with moderate foot access to local amenities in Dallas County.

While the campus maintains high marks in several categories, an August 2025 health inspection identified seven deficiencies. These findings included issues with infection control protocols and resident rights regarding service notifications, though the facility achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for the most severe “immediate jeopardy” classifications. Nurse staffing metrics remain a primary strength, with the facility providing 4 hours and 10 minutes of total nursing time per resident daily.

This level of support includes registered nurse (RN) hours that are approximately 56% higher than the state average. Professional services focus heavily on recovery, with nearly 73% of short-stay residents reaching expected self-care abilities by discharge—a figure significantly higher than the national average. Quality measures for long-term residents also perform at a 5-star level, particularly in areas like pressure ulcer prevention.

Residential options include private apartments with kitchenettes and access to various communal social spaces. The facility provides three nutritional meals daily plus snacks, alongside amenities such as a hair salon, library, and landscaped courtyards. Wellness programming is supported by scheduled transportation for medical appointments and community outings. The community is pet-friendly and maintains a 2.58:1 staff-to-resident ratio, which is 29% better than the regional benchmark.

Prospective representatives evaluating a high-staffed rehabilitation setting with recognized quality standards may find this campus appropriate. Families are encouraged to ask directly about the corrective steps taken regarding 2025 infection control findings and request current nurse-to-resident ratios for the skilled nursing wing before making a placement decision.

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Overview of Luther Park Community

Luther Park Community is a senior living community in Des Moines. It serves occupants across a full spectrum of care needs, from independent living to skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care. Set in a quiet residential neighborhood about 2.4 miles from downtown, the three-story community offers floor plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Unit sizes span 517 to 1,050 square feet, so residents can find a layout that fits their space needs.

The home highlights care and independence. Daily life includes a hair salon, outdoor living spaces, an exercise room, and a library, with nutritious meals and transportation to outings integrated into the schedule. Pets are allowed, which matters to many occupants wanting their animal companions around. Central to the daily experience are fitness and recreational activities, alongside the attentive support each resident receives following their care level. The facility’s location scores 45 on the walkability scale, meaning some walkable nearby services, and most errands and appointments require a drive. For visiting families and friends, the residential setting offers a quieter pace than busier commercial areas, with easy access to local parks, shopping, dining, and hospitals nearby.

When considering the facility, families may want to tour the floor plans, observe daily activities and meal service, and discuss the care tier and housing option that best match their family member’s needs and preferences.

Contact Luther Park Community

Care Initiatives

1611 W Lakes Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Care Initiatives

Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.

Contact Care Initiatives

Mosaic

2009 Prospect Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Overview of Mosaic

Mosaic, located in central Iowa, is dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing independence and meaningful relationships. This vibrant community offers a wide spectrum of services, including mental and behavioral health support, as well as specialized programs for those with autism.
In addition to their focus on intellectual disabilities, Mosaic also provides comprehensive senior care. Their commitment to in-home support includes essential services like light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation, meal preparation, and more. Mosaic stands out by offering customized care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Furthermore, Mosaic extends its services to independent senior living, providing a range of opportunities for social, cultural, educational, and recreational engagement, ensuring a well-rounded experience for residents seeking homes for independent living.

Contact Mosaic

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Submit a correction
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in West Des Moines, IA

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Iowa Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 9 nursing homes in West Des Moines, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in West Des Moines, IA?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in West Des Moines, IA, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in West Des Moines, IA?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.